Bump stop assembly

ABSTRACT

A bump stop assembly for a UTV with a frame attachment, a shock absorber attachment, two panels, a shock absorber and a bracket. The frame attachment is coupled to the frame of the UTV and the shock absorber attachment is coupled to the shock absorber. The two panels extend between the frame attachment and the shock attachment. The bracket is coupled to the trailing arm of the suspension system of the UTV. The bump plate bracket has a bump plate located to contact the shock absorber when a force applied to the suspension system causes the suspension system to reach a predetermined level of a capacity of the suspension system to absorb. The bump plate transfers a portion of the force applied to the shock absorber. The shock absorber is configured to absorb energy transferred to the bump stop assembly by the force applied to the suspension system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of both U.S.Provisional Patent Application 63/135,405 entitled “BUMP STOP ASSEMBLY”to Reynolds et. al. that was filed on Jan. 8, 2021, as well as of U.S.Provisional Patent Application 63/178,503 entitled “BUMP STOP ASSEMBLYFOR A UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLE (UTV)” to Reynolds et. al. that was filedon Apr. 22, 2021, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedherein by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document relate generally to bump stop assemblies, andmore specifically to bump stop assemblies made for utility terrainvehicles (“UTV”).

BACKGROUND

Recreational and off-highway vehicles (UTVs) are designed to be able totravel over bumps and cracks in terrain without bottoming out. This istypically done by including a suspension between the wheels and thevehicle body. When such vehicles travel over bumps and cracks, thesuspension absorbs the vertical movement of the wheels so that thevehicle body generally stays at the same height, or moves up and downmuch more slowly. This helps to avoid damage to the vehicle, as well asharm to the driver and passengers. However, it is still possible for thesuspension to bottom out when traveling at higher speeds or over rougherterrain. When this occurs, damage is done to the vehicle frame and thesuspension components. Other parts of the vehicle may collide as well,causing additional damage. In addition, the vehicle passengers canexperience serious bodily harm, such as spinal compression.

SUMMARY

Aspects of this document relate to a bump stop assembly for a UTVcomprising a frame attachment configured to couple with a frame of theUTV, the frame attachment having an upper clamp and a lower clamp eachconfigured to grip the frame of the UTV, the upper clamp separated fromthe lower clamp by a saddle configured to support the frame within theframe attachment, a shock absorber attachment having at least one clamp,at least one panel extending between the frame attachment and the shockabsorber attachment, the at least one panel having a bend extendingdiagonally across the at least one panel and dividing the at least onepanel into a first section and a second section, a shock absorbergripped by the at least one clamp of the shock absorber attachment, theshock absorber having a piston configured to absorb and dissipate energytransferred to the bump stop assembly by a force applied to a suspensionsystem of the UTV, and a bump stop bracket coupled to a trailing arm ofthe suspension system, the bracket having a bump plate located tocontact the shock absorber when the force applied to the suspensionsystem causes the suspension system to reach a predetermined level of acapacity of the suspension system to absorb, the bump plate bracketconfigured to transfer a portion of the force applied to the suspensionsystem to the shock absorber.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The at least one panel may comprise at least one attachmenttab on each of the first section and the second section, each of theattachment tabs configured to mate with a slot on one of the frameattachment and the shock absorber attachment. The frame attachment maybe coupled to a frame or a roll cage of the UTV. The frame attachmentmay be welded to the frame. The bracket may be welded to the trailingarm. The frame attachment may be coupled to the frame through at leastone mechanical fastener. The frame attachment may be coupled to a frontportion of the frame to provide shock absorption for a front wheel ofthe UTV. The frame attachment may be coupled to a rear portion of theframe to provide shock absorption for a rear wheel of the UTV.

Aspects of this document relate to a bump stop assembly for a UTVcomprising a frame attachment configured to couple with a frame of theUTV, a bump stop shock absorber configured to couple with the frameattachment, and a bump plate located to contact the bump stop shockabsorber when a force applied to a suspension system of the UTV causesthe suspension system to reach a predetermined level of a capacity ofthe suspension system, the bump plate configured to transfer a portionof the force applied to the suspension system to the bump stop shockabsorber.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The frame attachment may have at least one clamp configured togrip the frame of the UTV. The bump stop assembly may further comprise apanel disposed between, and coupled to, the frame attachment and theshock absorber, the panel having a first section and a second section.The panel may further comprise at least one attachment tab on each ofthe first section and the second section, each of the attachment tabsconfigured to mate with the frame attachment and the shock absorberattachment, respectively, wherein the shock absorber attachment iscoupled to the bump stock shock absorber. The first section and thesecond section may be separated by a bend extending across the panel.The shock absorber may comprise a piston configured to absorb energytransferred to the bump stop assembly by the force applied to thesuspension system. The shock absorber may be configured to dissipateenergy transferred to the bump stop assembly by the force applied to thesuspension system. The frame attachment may be coupled to the framethrough a weld. The frame attachment may be coupled to the frame throughat least one mechanical fastener. The frame attachment may be coupled toa front portion of the frame to provide shock absorption for a frontwheel of the UTV. The frame attachment may be coupled to a rear portionof the frame to provide shock absorption for a rear wheel of the UTV.The bump plate may be coupled to a bump plate bracket and the bump platebracket is coupled to an arm of the suspension system.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, applications, and advantageswill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from thespecification, drawings, and the claims. Unless specifically noted, itis intended that the words and phrases in the specification and theclaims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to thoseof ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully awarethat they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventorsexpressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain andordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless theyclearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the“special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from theplain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent toapply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent and desirethat the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied tothe interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§ 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions,the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases“means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function”(i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insertfunction]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure,material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claimsrecite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step forperforming the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite anystructure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or thatperform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover,even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define theclaimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited onlyto the specific structure, material or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are wellknown present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material oracts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification,drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with theappended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bump stop assembly;

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the bump stop assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the bump stop assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the bump stop assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bump stop assembly shown in FIG. 1coupled to an off-road vehicle;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bump stopassembly welded to the frame of the off-road vehicle;

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the bump stop assembly shown in FIG. 1coupled to the off-road vehicle prior to the occurrence of an upwardforce;

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of the bump stop assembly shown in FIG. 1coupled to the off-road vehicle during the occurrence of an upwardforce;

FIG. 9A is a top schematic view of a UTV with the bump assembly shown inFIG. 1 installed an both front and both rear wheels;

FIG. 9B is a close-up view of the front wheel of the UTV shown in FIG.9A, taken from the circular section line 9B; and

FIG. 9C is a close-up view of the back wheel of the UTV shown in FIG.9A, taken from circular section line 9C.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to thespecific material types, components, methods, or other examplesdisclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods,and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particularimplementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, althoughparticular implementations are disclosed, such implementations andimplementing components may comprise any components, models, types,materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the artfor such systems and implementing components, consistent with theintended operation.

The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are usedherein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Anyaspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely forpurposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit orrestrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of thisdisclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad ofadditional or alternate examples of varying scope could have beenpresented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

While this disclosure includes a number of implementations that aredescribed in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings andwill herein be described in detail particular implementations with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems,and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed conceptsto the implementations illustrated.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustrationpossible implementations. It is to be understood that otherimplementations may be utilized, and structural, as well as procedural,changes may be made without departing from the scope of this document.As a matter of convenience, various components will be described usingexemplary materials, sizes, shapes, dimensions, and the like. However,this document is not limited to the stated examples and otherconfigurations are possible and within the teachings of the presentdisclosure. As will become apparent, changes may be made in the functionand/or arrangement of any of the elements described in the disclosedexemplary implementations without departing from the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to a bump stop assembly 100 designed toprovide additional protection against bottoming out for an off-roadvehicle, such as a UTV. When the off-road vehicle travels over a bump orcrack, the force applied to the off-road vehicle is mostly absorbed bythe suspension system of the off-road vehicle. In situations where thecapability of the suspension system to absorb the force is exhausted toa predetermined level, the bump stop assembly 100 may be configured toengage. The bump stop assembly 100 is configurable, such that anypredetermined level may be selected. For example, in one embodiment, thebump stop assembly 100 may engage once the suspension system hasexhausted 75% of its ability to absorb the force applied. Anotherembodiment may be configured to engage at 25 or 50%. As stated above,any percentage may be selected.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of the bump stop assembly 100 of theUTV 200. The bump stop assembly 100 has a frame attachment 102 and ashock absorber attachment 104. Additionally, the bump stop assembly 100may have at least one panel 106, a shock absorber 108, and a bracket orbump plate bracket 110. In some instances, the shock absorber 108 may bea bump stop, such as a bump stop (or hydraulic bump stop) made by KingShocks, Fox, or another supplier as known in the art. The bump stopassembly 100 may be implemented on each wheel of the off-road vehicle,including the front and rear wheels, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C. Theframe attachment 102 is configured to couple to a frame 112 of anoff-road vehicle. The frame attachment 102 may couple to a roll cage orframe member of the off-road vehicle or UTV 200 as well. The frameattachment 102 may have at least one clamp 114, which may include anupper clamp 116 and a lower clamp 118. In some embodiments, the at leastone clamp 114 is configured to wrap around and grip a member 119 of theframe 112 of the off-road vehicle 200 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS.1-5, the at least one clamp 114 may include at least one mechanicalfastener 120, such as a screw, which tightens the at least one clamp 114around the frame 112. In other embodiments, the at least one clamp 114is another type of mount or assembly configured to join the frameattachment 102 to the frame 112. Alternatively, or in addition, theframe attachment 102 may couple to the frame 112 through a weld 121, asshown in FIG. 6. Other methods of attaching the bump stop assembly 100to the frame 112 may be used. The upper clamp 116 may be separated fromthe lower clamp 118 by a saddle 122. The saddle 122 is configured tosupport the frame 112 within the frame attachment 102. As shown, thesaddle 122 may be an open pipe which joins the upper clamp 116 to thelower clamp 118.

In embodiments with the at least one panel 106, the at least one panel106 extends between the frame attachment 102 and the shock absorberattachment 104. In some embodiments, the at least one panel 106 is twopanels 106, but may be any desirable number of members or subcomponentsthat are joined, as well as a single or integrally formed member. The atleast one panel 106 may or may not be a flat sheet, may take any shape,and may be formed of shaped, bent, or formed sheet material, channelmaterial, extruded members, cast members, billet members, forgedmembers, or be machined from a block or larger component or source ofmaterial. In some instances, panel 106 may be absent and frameattachment 102 may be in direct contact with, or directly attached to,the shock absorber attachment 104, without any intervening members orelements, such as panel 106. The purpose of the at least one panel 106is to join the frame attachment 102 to the shock absorber attachment104. In some embodiments, the frame attachment 102 is directly coupledto the shock absorber attachment 104, and the at least one panel 106 isnot needed. Each of the at least one panel 106 may have a bend 124 whichextends across the panel 106 and divides the panel 106 into a firstsection 126 and a second section 128. The bend 124 may extend diagonallyacross the panel 106. The bend 124 allows for a flat or planar member toaccommodate positions or multiple members to which it is coupled, andthat otherwise would not be aligned. Each of the panels 106 may have atleast one attachment tab 130 on each of the first section 126 and thesecond section 128. Each of the at least one attachment tab 130 isconfigured to mate with a slot 132 on one of the frame attachment 102and the shock absorber attachment 104.

The shock absorber attachment 104 is configured to couple to the shockabsorber 108. Similar to the frame attachment 102, the shock absorberattachment 104 may have at least one clamp 114 which is configured togrip the shock absorber 108. The shock absorber attachment 104 may alsocouple to the shock absorber 108 through a weld. Other methods ofattaching the shock absorber attachment 104 to the shock absorber 108may be used. The shock absorber 108 is configured to absorb energytransferred to the bump stop assembly 100 by the force applied to thesuspension system. In addition, some embodiments dissipate this energytransferred to the bump stop assembly 100. For example, the shockabsorber 108 may be configured so that when a force is applied to thesuspension system that exceeds the predetermined level of the capacityof the suspension system to absorb on its own, the bump stop assembly100 engages and absorbs a portion of the force applied through the shockabsorber 108. In some embodiments, this force is transferred to the bumpstop assembly 100 specifically through a piston 134 of the shockabsorber 108. The piston 134 may be one or more of a shaft, a spring, adashpot, an elastically deformable material, and a rubber mount. Thepiston 134 may be a charged piston or a hydraulic piston. In embodimentswith a charged piston, the piston 134 is pneumatic and thus compresses acharged fluid to absorb a portion of the energy transferred to the bumpstop assembly 100. Some of this energy is also dissipated through heatas the charged fluid is compressed. The charged fluid may be anysuitable fluid, including nitrogen or air. In other embodiments, thecharged piston may be electric, magnetic (whether electromagnet, rareearth magnet, or other magnet), or any other suitable type known in theart.

The bracket or bump plate bracket 110 may be coupled to a trailing armof the suspension system. In some embodiments, the bracket 110 is weldedto the trailing arm, while in other embodiments, the bracket 110 iscoupled to the trailing arm with at least one fastener or clamp. Othermethods of coupling components together may also be used. To aid in thetransfer of force from the suspension system to the bump stop assembly100, the bump plate bracket 110 comprises or has a bump plate 136. Thebump plate 136 is located to contact the shock absorber 108 when theforce applied to the suspension system causes the suspension system toreach the predetermined level of the capacity of the suspension systemto absorb. In addition, the bump plate 136 may be oriented horizontal tothe surface supporting the vehicle. Because the bump plate 136 and theshock absorber 108 are not fixed to each other either translationally orrotationally, but instead only contact each other, the bump plate 136mainly transfers only certain directions of the force to the shockabsorber 108. For example, the bump plate 136 may be configured totransfer a vertical component of the force applied to the suspensionsystem to the shock absorber 108 without transferring a horizontalcomponent of the force.

The bump stop assembly is used on the UTV 200, which for the purposes ofthis disclosure, includes, but is not limited to: a(n) all-terrainvehicle (“ATV”), off-highway vehicle (“OHV”), off-road vehicle (“ORV”),utility task vehicle, recreational off-highway vehicle (“ROV”),side-by-side UTV or ROV, quad, quad bike, four-wheeler, snowmobile, dunebuggy, or the like. In certain implementations, the bump stop assemblyis used in a vehicle that may experience high stresses or be driven withless care than normal, such as: golf carts, farm or ranch vehicles,construction vehicles, rental cars, commercial vehicles, go-carts,racing vehicles, mid- or light-duty snowplows, or other vehicles thatencounter rugged terrain and/or abusive driving habits. In someimplementations, the bump stop assembly is used on UTVs such as aside-by-side UTV or ROV vehicle such as: a Polaris® RZR®, a Polaris®Ranger®, a Kawasaki® Mule™, Arctic Cat® Wildcat™, Arctic Cat® Prowler®,Can-Am® Maverick®, Can-Am® Maverick® X3, Yamaha® YXZ1000R®, Yamaha®Wolverine®, or other similar ROV or UTV vehicles currently existing oryet to be developed.

The at least one panel 106 couples the frame attachment 102 to the shockabsorber attachment 104, such that the shock absorber attachment 104securely holds the shock absorber 108. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, when aforce is applied to the wheels of the vehicle 200, the wheels 202 moveupward, which compresses the suspension of the vehicle. If the forceexceeds the predetermined level of the capacity of the suspension systemto absorb on its own, the bump stop assembly 100 engages and passes theexcess force to the shock absorber 108, causing the piston 134 tocompress into the shock absorber 108. This absorbs a portion of theforce applied and stretches the duration of the transfer of the forcefrom the wheels to the frame 112 over a longer period of time. Thisdecreases the stresses that occur in the frame 112 and other vehiclecomponents, as well as protects passengers of the vehicle from excessiveforces.

FIG. 9A is a top schematic view of the UTV 200 with the bump assemblyshown in FIG. 1 installed on both front wheels 202 and both rear wheels202. FIG. 9B is a close-up view of the front wheel 202 of the UTV 200shown in FIG. 9A, taken from circular section line 9B. FIG. 9C is aclose-up view of the back wheel 202 of the UTV 200 shown in FIG. 9A,taken from circular section line 9C.

It will be understood that implementations of a bump stop assembly arenot limited to the specific assemblies, devices and components disclosedin this document, as virtually any assemblies, devices and componentsconsistent with the intended operation of a bump stop assembly may beused. Accordingly, for example, although particular bump stopassemblies, and other assemblies, devices and components are disclosed,such may include any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class,measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the likeconsistent with the intended operation of bump stop assemblies.Implementations are not limited to uses of any specific assemblies,devices and components; provided that the assemblies, devices andcomponents selected are consistent with the intended operation of a bumpstop assembly.

Accordingly, the components defining any bump stop assembly may beformed of any of many different types of materials or combinationsthereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that thematerials selected are consistent with the intended operation of a bumpstop assembly. For example, the components may be formed of: polymerssuch as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal,Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like),thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane,Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other likematerials; glasses (such as quartz glass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber,any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/orother like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper,lead, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainlesssteel, brass, nickel, tin, antimony, pure aluminum, 1100 aluminum,aluminum alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials;alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copperalloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any othersuitable material; and/or any combination of the foregoing thereof. Ininstances where a part, component, feature, or element is governed by astandard, rule, code, or other requirement, the part may be made inaccordance with, and to comply under such standard, rule, code, or otherrequirement.

Various bump stop assemblies may be manufactured using conventionalprocedures as added to and improved upon through the proceduresdescribed here. Some components defining a bump stop assembly may bemanufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another,while other components may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufacturedseparately and then assembled with the integral components. Variousimplementations may be manufactured using conventional procedures asadded to and improved upon through the procedures described here.

Accordingly, manufacture of these components separately orsimultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming,injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting,forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding,stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting,punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components aremanufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another inany manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, anut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, anycombination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, amongother considerations, the particular material forming the components.

It will be understood that methods for manufacturing or assembling bumpstop assemblies are not limited to the specific order of steps asdisclosed in this document. Any steps or sequence of steps of theassembly of a bump stop assembly indicated herein are given as examplesof possible steps or sequence of steps and not as limitations, sincevarious assembly processes and sequences of steps may be used toassemble bump stop assemblies.

The implementations of a bump stop assembly described are by way ofexample or explanation and not by way of limitation. Rather, anydescription relating to the foregoing is for the exemplary purposes ofthis disclosure, and implementations may also be used with similarresults for a variety of other applications employing a bump stopassembly.

1. A bump stop assembly for a UTV, comprising: a frame attachmentconfigured to couple with a frame of the UTV, the frame attachmenthaving an upper clamp and a lower clamp each configured to grip theframe of the UTV, the upper clamp separated from the lower clamp by asaddle configured to support the frame within the frame attachment; ashock absorber attachment having at least one clamp; at least one panelextending between the frame attachment and the shock absorberattachment, the at least one panel having a bend extending diagonallyacross the at least one panel and dividing the at least one panel into afirst section and a second section; a shock absorber gripped by the atleast one clamp of the shock absorber attachment, the shock absorberhaving a piston configured to absorb and dissipate energy transferred tothe bump stop assembly by a force applied to a suspension system of theUTV; and a bump stop bracket coupled to a trailing arm of the suspensionsystem, the bracket having a bump plate located to contact the shockabsorber when the force applied to the suspension system causes thesuspension system to reach a predetermined level of a capacity of thesuspension system to absorb, the bump plate bracket configured totransfer a portion of the force applied to the suspension system to theshock absorber.
 2. The bump stop assembly of claim 1, the at least onepanel comprises at least one attachment tab on each of the first sectionand the second section, each of the attachment tabs configured to matewith a slot on one of the frame attachment and the shock absorberattachment.
 3. The bump stop assembly of claim 1, wherein the frameattachment is coupled to the frame or a roll cage of the UTV. 4.(canceled)
 5. The bump stop assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket iswelded or bolted to the trailing arm.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The bump stopassembly of claim 1, wherein the frame attachment is coupled to a frontportion of the frame to provide shock absorption for a front wheel ofthe UTV.
 8. The bump stop assembly of claim 1, wherein the frameattachment is coupled to a rear portion of the frame to provide shockabsorption for a rear wheel of the UTV. 9.-11. (canceled)
 12. A bumpstop assembly for a UTV, comprising: a frame attachment configured tocouple with a frame of the UTV; a bump stop shock absorber configured tocouple with the frame attachment; a panel disposed between, and coupledto, the frame attachment and the shock absorber, the panel having afirst section and a second section; and a bump plate located to contactthe bump stop shock absorber when a force applied to a suspension systemof the UTV causes the suspension system to reach a predetermined levelof a capacity of the suspension system, the bump plate configured totransfer a portion of the force applied to the suspension system to thebump stop shock absorber; wherein the panel further comprises at leastone attachment tab on each of the first section and the second section,each of the attachment tabs configured to mate with the frame attachmentand a shock absorber attachment, respectively, wherein the shockabsorber attachment is coupled to the bump stop shock absorber 13.-20.(canceled)
 21. The bump stop assembly of claim 12, wherein the frameattachment is welded to the frame.
 22. The bump stop assembly of claim12, wherein the frame attachment is coupled to the frame through atleast one mechanical fastener.
 23. The bump stop assembly of claim 12,wherein the first section and the second section of the panel areseparated by a bend extending across the panel.